HealthInfo Canterbury

Canterbury Better Breathing programme

In Canterbury, a free eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme called Better Breathing is available for people with long-term chest conditions like COPD.

The programme can help improve your breathing and fitness through gentle movement and exercise. The programme also includes education sessions that help you to:

• understand your breathing condition
• know how and when to get help
• know how to use your inhaler
• understand the importance of getting enough sleep
• set goals
• learn breathing exercises.

The programme consists of a one-and-a-half-hour session once a week and participants are encouraged to attend as many sessions as possible.

• Each session includes an hour of exercise followed by half an hour of education and discussion.
• Better Breathing programmes are held at various locations around Canterbury.
• Courses start throughout the year.

There are entry requirements for the programme. If you're interested in attending a Better Breathing programme, phone (03) 353‑9973 or talk to your GP.

Better Breathing programmes are provided at the following locations:

Location	Venue
Ashburton	Venue to be advised
City East	Linwood Salvation Army hall, 177 Linwood Ave, Linwood
City North	Bishopdale Library and Community Centre, 13 Bishopdale Ct, Bishopdale Village Mall
City South	Pioneer Stadium, 75 Lyttleton St, Somerfield
City West	Hei Hei Community Lounge, 12 Wycola Ave, Hei Hei
Rangiora	Mainpower Oval, Canterbury Country Cricket Association, Coldstream Rd, Rangiora

In this video, Tuli shares his story about learning to breathe better through the Better Breathing pulmonary rehabilitation programme.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Canterbury Clinical Network – Canterbury community respiratory support and exercise groups flyer

  Information about community respiratory support and exercise groups in Canterbury.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2021.

Page reference: 38066

Review key: HIPRP-38066